Test lead
Test leads quality assure each stage in the development of IT systems, software and digital products to make sure they work as intended.
Also known as: Senior test lead, lead test analyst, test manager
- Starter salary£35,000 a year
- Experienced£75,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a test lead, you could:
- understand the development requirements for a new product or service
- create test plans for each stage of development
- plan the time and resources needed to carry out testing
- run manual and automated tests
- identify and record faults or 'bugs' so they can be fixed by developers
- make sure each test stage is completed on time and meets quality standards
- check that new products and upgrades are working correctly
- maintain test environments, tools, documentation and guides
- write test reports for the project management team
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to monitor testing and performance
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration skills
- persistence and determination
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a test lead
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate course in:
- computer science
- business information technology
- software development
- software engineering
- maths
You may have an advantage when you look for work if your degree includes a work placement, internship or a year in industry.
Your university careers service can help you find opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Software Tester Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or a Digital and Technology Solutions Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, with a commercial company.
These take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with academic study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could join an organisation's quality assurance team as an assistant software tester, for example on a graduate training scheme.
As your experience grows, you could become a test lead through on-the-job training and promotion.
Direct application
You could apply directly for jobs if you have 3 to 5 years' experience in software testing and quality assurance.
You may also find it helpful to have:
- experience in software development or user research and design
- IT project management skills
- certification through a professional body like The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)
Career path and progression
You can be a test lead in any industry or sector.
With experience, you can:
- specialise in a particular area, such as financial technology or digital communications
- become a quality assurance manager
- move into broader IT project management or digital service delivery
- work as a freelance contractor for an IT business services company
Career tips
You'll find it useful to have an understanding of project management methods, such as agile delivery .
Guides for this industry
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